Ventilating means



Aug. 9, 1932. H. c. HUEGLIN VENTILATING MEANS Filed June 50, 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet l fizz/6722b? Harman C522 1932- H. c. HUEGLJN 1,870,570

VENTILATING MEANS Filed June 50, 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 4W Mam QSW Patented Aug. 9, 1932 WTAE'ES PATENT HERMAN G. I'IUEGLZN, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR T0 FEDERAL MERCHANDISE GOMPANY, OF GEECAGG, ILLINOIS, A'CORPOR-ATION OF ILLINOIS ill VENTILATING MEANS Application filed June 30,

This invention relates to ventilating means, and more particularly to ventilating means for domestic use.

It is known to provide a supporting plate structure which is secured in the upper portion of a window frame or casing above the upper sash, this plate being provided with a Ventilating opening and a fan being mounted upon the plate and disposed in such opening. Devices of this general character are used in homes, particularly in the kitchen, and are commonly positioned in the upper portion of a window in back of or closely adjacent the cooking stove or range. The ventilating fan serves to remove from the kitchen vapors and odors-rising from food cooked upon the stove and to discharge the same exteriorly of the house through the ventilating opening in the plate. This fan also serves to discharge the heated air arising from the stove exteriorly of the room, thus preventing undue heating of the kitchen in hot weather. All devices of this general type, with which I am familiar, have a supporting structure or plate whi h is non-adjustable, these plates being made in several sizes corresponding to the widths of standard window frames.

From a manufacturing standpoint, this is costly and, from a practical standpoint, it is unsatisfactory as there are numerous window frames which are not of: standard width. This frequently renders it (llfdCLlli? to obtain adevice of this character which will fit a given window frame, necessitating the use of a supporting plate which is made to order.

In ventilating devices of the character referred to, such as are known and in use, it is necessary to mount thesupporting plate in the window frame between the top bar thereof and the top rail of the upper sash of the window, which is moved into lowered position for this purpose. lVhen the device is thus installed, the top sash of the window remains permanently in a partially lowered position with its top rail against the bottom of the supporting plate of the device to eX- clude. flies and other insects. This necessity for the upper sash of the window remaining open at all times is highly objectionable, as presenting an unsi htly appearance, and,

1928. Serial No. 289,573.

also, as rendering it impossible to effectively exclude rain and other material in the event of high winds or storms, since a high wind blowing toward the ventilating device can readily pass through the opening and the ventilating fan. I

I have found that the objections above not-ed to devices of this type now in use can be avoided by so constructing the ventilating device or means, particularly the supporting structure or plate, that its effectiveness can be adjusted to accommodate window frames of various widths. All necessity for the upper sash of the window remaining permanently open can be avoided by so constructing the clevice that it can be positioned above the lower or inner sash of the window and providing a removable closure member between the supporting structure or plate and the top rail of the upper sash when the latter is in lowered position.

By this arrangement the upper sash of the window is normally in partially lowered position, and entry of flies and other insects into the room is effectively prevented, the fan acting to discharge from the room the warm air and vapors. arising from the stove. In the event of a storm, or in unusually cold weather, or if it is desired to raise the outer or upper sash of the window into its uppermost position, for any other reason, this can be readily accomplished and the two sashes can be secured or locked together in a known manner.

One of the main objects'of my invention is to provide ventilating means of simple and inexpensive construction, which can be readily adjusted to fit window frames of different widths. A further object is to provide means of this character, the various elements of which are so constructed and related as to produce a light but strong and rigid structure, which may be applied, as a unit,to a window frame. Another object is to provide simple and efficient means for closing the space between the ventilating means and the upper bar of the upper window sash,

such means being hingedly mounted so as to be moved into inoperative posltlon as and When the upper window sash 1s ralsed 1nto' its uppermost or fully closed position. The mounting ring. or bracket by which the ventilating fan is supported upon the panel structure shown in the instant application, 5 forms the subject matter of the copending application, Serial No. 440,687 filed April 1, 1930, which is a division of the instant application and to which reference is here made for the details of this bracket.

In the drawings: 1 Fig. 1 is anouter face view of a ventilating device constructed in accordance with my invention. r r

Fig. 2 is a. top plan view of the device.

larged scale, taken substantially on line 33 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a section on an enlarged scale, taken substantially on line &4 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is an inner face view'of the device as applied.

Fig. 6 is a sectiontaken substantially on line 66 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary sectional View, on

of the motor supporting frame.

Fig. 8 is a sectional view through the motor and the casing therefor.

In thev preferred form of my invention, illustrated, I provide a supporting structure comprising a central plate'l and end plates 2. The central plate is of channel cross section being provided, at its upper and its lower edge, with a flange 3 which is disposed at right angles to the body of the plate and is formed by first bending a portion of the plate at right angles and then bending onehalf of such portion back upon itself so that the flange is of a double thickness of material. The plate, constructed in this manner, is of light weight but possesses relatively great strength and rigidity. Each of the end plates 2 is also of channel cross section, being provided, at its upper and lower edges, with right angularly disposed flanges 4 and 5, respectively. These flanges fit snugly aboutthe outer faces of flanges 3 providing a telescoping connection between the central plate 1 and the end plates 2. Up.- per flange 4 of each of the end plates 2 is provided with a longitudinally extending slot 6 through which passes a securing bolt 7. This bolt passes through the upper flange 3 of the central plate 1 and receives a nut 8 (Fig. 1) on its lower end. If desired, more than one bolt and nut may be provided for securing flange 4: to flange 3, though ordinarily one bolt is sufficient. This provides simple and highly efficient means whereby the end plates 2 and the central plate 1 can P be secured together in adjusted relation. The supporting structure as a whole, including the end plates and the central plate, is of channel cross section and provides a lightbut Verystrong and rigid structure.

Fig.3 isa fragmentary section, on an en-' an enlarged scale, through one of the arms Each of the end plates 2 is provided, at its outer end, with a rectangularly disposed flange 9 directed similarly to flanges 4 and 5. These flanges 9, and flanges 3 of the central plate 1, are provided with suitably. spaced openings for reception of securing screws 10 by means of which the device can be readily secured in position in a window casing. Preferably, each of the end plates 2 is provided, adjacent its inner end, with a transversely extending corrugation forming a rib element 11 which materially strengthens the inner edge portion of the plate and imparts rigidity thereto. Plate 1 is also preferably turned over at each end to provide a tubular element or rib 12 which imparts rigidity to this plate at the ends thereof.

Central plate 1 is provided with a ventilating opening 1a disposed substantially centrally thereof. This opening receives the outer portion of a collar 13 provided with a radially extending flange 14 which seats upon the inner face of plate 1 about opening 1a. This flange is suitably securedto the plate in a known manner, as by means of bolts 15 and nuts 16. Any other suitable or preferred means can be employed for securing the flange to the plate. This flange and the collar 13 provide what is, in effect, an annular structure of angular cross section which is secured to the central portion of plate 1 and serves to materially reinforce the plate. A motor supporting frame extends from collar 13 and includes arms 16a of substantially L- shape which are disposed radially of the collar and are connected, at their ends, by a motor casing 17 preferably formed integrally with the arms, these arms being also formed integrally with collar 13. An electric motor 18 of suitable type is mounted within the motor casing 17. This motor is controlled by a switch 18 of known type mounted upon plate 1 and operated by a suitable pull cord 19.

.An electric cord 20 extends from the motor and is provided with a suitable plug member, not shown for insertion into a cooperating socket of known type, by means of which the motor can be readily connected to an electric circuit. V

Shaft 22 of the motor 18 isextended beyond casing 17 and receives a fan 23 of suit-- able type secured upon the shaft for rotation therewith. The fan which I preferably employ comprises a hub 24 and, blades'25 of approximately spoon shape, these blades being disposed radially of the hub and formed integrally therewith but arranged. at an inclination to the shaft'22in a manner well understood in the art. Any other suitable or preferred form of fan may be used.

A closure or flap member is provided at the lower edge of the supporting structure. This member comprises two plates 26 secured by hinges 27, adjacent their outer ends, to the end plates '2. Each of the plates 26 is provided, at its outer edge, with an upwardly directed flange '28, and these two plates are disposed in telescoping relation. One of the plates 26 is provided with two longitudinally extending slots 29, and the other plate is provided with a series of openings 30. A screwBl is inserted through either of the slots 29 and passes through a selected one of the openings 30. A washer 32- is confined between the head of the screw and the upper face of the upper plate 26, and nut is threaded upon this screw and contacts with the under face of the lower plate 26. By means of the slot 29 and the openings 30, in conjunction with the screw 31 and nut 33, the telescoping plates 26 can be readily adjusted with the end plates 2 and secured in adjustment. /Vhen the device is in operative position, the closure member comprising the plates 26 is disposed at right angles to the supporting structure and serves to impart rigidity thereto and to brace such structure against distortion under the load of the motor and associated parts.

This closure member is free to move about the common axis of hinges 27 toward and away from the supporting structure comprising the central plate 1 and the end plates 2.

The ventilating device or means constructed in accordance with my invention is shown in Fig. 5 as applied to a window casing C which receives the upper sash S and the lower sash. I have shown (Fig. 6) a strip 34 secured across the top of the window casing C and fitting snugly between the central sash strip 35 and the inner sash strip This strip 3% is commonly placed in window cas ings, but it is in no way essential to my invention and may be omitted if desired. In placing the device in position, it may first be placed upon the top rail of the lower S with the flap or closure member in raised or partially raised position, the upper sash S of the window remaining in raised position. By slightly loosening the screws 7 and 31, the end plates 2 are adjusted relative to the cen tral plate 1, so that the end flanges 9 of these plates fit snugly against the sides of the window casing C between the sash strips 35 and 36. The device is then raised, as a unit, the screws 7 and 31 being first ti htened up, so as to bring the flanges l of end plates 2 into contact with strip 34, or the top of the window casing C, as the case may be. The device is then secured in the window casing by means of screws 10, or any other suitable or preferred securing members inserted through the flanges 3 and 4 at the top of the supporting structure and flanges 9 at the ends of such structure. The device can thus be readi y adjusted and secured in position as a unit.

After the device has been secured in the window casing at the upper portion thereof, the upper sash S is moved into partially lowered position so that the closure member, comprising the plates 26, will rest upon the top bar of this sash when such closure memher is disposed in horizontal position, as in Fig. 6.

As will be noted more clearly from Fig. 2, the plates 26 are set inwardly a slight distance from each of the end plates 2, this distance corresponding to the distance which the central sash strip projects inwardly beyond the window casing C. When the flap or closure member is in operative position, the space between the top bar of the upper sash S and the supporting structure for the same is eiiectively closed so as to prevent the entry of flies or other insects into the room. When the fan is in operation, the air and vapors within the room are withdrawn therefrom and are discharged exteriorly thereof as indicated by the arrows in Fig. 6. While this device is particularly adapted for use in kitchens and similar places, it is also well adapted for use in any place where it is desired to obtain ventilation and, particularly, where it is desired to take off vapors or fumes from a room.

Ordinarily, I prefer to employ a support ing structure having a central plate and two end plates as, by means of this structure, the fan can be positioned centrally of the window opening so as to present a neat appearance. It will be understood, however, that the fan need not be thus disposed, and, where conditions require or where desired, this fan can be disposed adjacent either side of the window casing. In its broader aspects my invention contemplates a telescoping supporting SJIUCtUI'B for a ventilating fan, such structure being adapted to be positioned in the opening of a window casing or other structure and permitting of the fan being disposed in desired position transversely of the window casing or like structur The motor 18 is of the induction type and includes housing or casing 37 which extends into casing 17 and is secured in the inner end of a cup shaped closure member or head 38. This bead fitsinto theinner end of casing 17 and may be secured therein in a suitable manner, as by one or more set screws as. If desired, the head 38 may he a push fit in the cup, in whic1 case the set screws may be omittechor the inner end of casing 17 may be split and provided with suitable means for contracting it tightly about the head, The casino; 1? coacts with casing 37 and head38 to effectively enclose and house the motor. The motor includes an armature d0 of known type suitably secured upon armature shaft 22, this shaft rotatably supported in an elot'igrated sleeve ll extending inwardly fro. as head This provides a motor structure of simple and inexpensive construction which can readily assembled and disassembled, as conditions may require.

Referring to Figs. 7 and 8, it will be noted 7 that the motor is disposed in such manner as to dispose an insulating thimble 42, carried by head 38 and through which cord 20 passes to the field coils ofthe motor, in alignment with one of the arms 16a of the motor sup porting frame. This arm is provided With'an opening through which is mounted an insulating thimble 4:3 and cord 20 passes through this thimble. The portion of the cable or cord 20 between the motor and the collar 13 is thus disposed adjacent and in alignment with one of the arms of the motor supporting frame, and is effectively held against undesirable looseness or slack. Thiseliminates possibility of the cord being drawn into the fan and injured by the blades thereof, and the arm also acts to guard the cord against injury from being struck by objects in rear of the motor supporting frame.

'W'hat I claim is;

1. In ventilating means, a supporting structure comprising a central plate and two end plates of channel cross-section disposed in telescoping relation therewith, said central plate having a ventilating opening, a ventilating fan mounted on said structure in alignment with the opening, a closure plate comprising two members of angle cross-section telescoped together and hingedly secured to the supporting structure for movemept toward and away from the same, and means on the top of the structure for engaging the under side of the top of a window casing for holding the structure in the window opening.

2. In ventilating means. a supporting struc-' ture comprising a central plate and two end plates disposed in telescoping relation, the central plate having a ventilating opening, a ventilating fan mounted on the central plate in alignment with said opening, a closure plate comprising two plates disposed in telescoping relation and hingedly secured to the respective end plates, and means carried by the structure for engaging the under side of the top of a window casing for holding the structure in. the window opening.

3. In a ventilating means, a supporting panel having a central opening in which a fan is mounted, flanges formed in the top and bottom edges of said panel, end plates flanged on the top and bottom and. outer end edges and telescoped into said supporting panel with their top and bottom flan registering with the top and bottom flanges of said supporting panel. said telescoping end plates fit ting the panel into a window frame in which it is held by fastening means extending through. the end flanges of said end plates and top flange of the supporting panel, a closing means comprising two strips hinged to the bottom edge of said end plates and overlapping the bottom side of said supporting panel, the outer ends of said strips being held a defi- 

